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'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst of 2008

Hollywood Week: The Stars Shine

The golden ticket holders came to Hollywood by the droves. Their tongues mysteriously turned blue, they played instruments (if they knew how) and sang their little hearts out . But the judges didn't waste any time, cutting hopefuls left and right. And only the cream of the crop, the top 50, were left standing ...

Josiah Leming

Age: 18 | Hometown: Morristown, Tenn. | Audition Site: Atlanta Song: 'Grace Kelly' and 'Stand By Me' Claim to fame: Lives in his car since dropping out of school and leaving home; in Hollywood, asked the band to leave the stage so he could perform solo Simon said: "You're being a teensy, weensy bit annoying." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/josiahleming' target='_blank'>Josiah's MySpace</a> and <a href='http://josiahlemingidol.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>Fan Blog</a> Status: Made the top 50

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst of 2008

Brooke White

Age: 24 | Hometown: Van Nuys, Calif. | Audition Site: Philadelphia Song: 'Beautiful' Claim to fame: This nanny has never seen an R-rated movie Simon said: "I like this kind of Carly Simon, actually Carole King thing you've got going." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/brookewhite' target='_blank'>Brooke's MySpace</a> Status: Made the top 50

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst of 2008

Kyle Ensley

Age: 21 | Hometown: Valiant, Okla. | Audition Site: Dallas Song: 'Love Grows' and 'You Raise Me Up' Simon said: "I can't listen to this rubbish any more." Claim to fame: A disgusted Simon walked out during Kyle's first Hollywood tryout, but the acerbic judge apologized after a second, "good little audition." Status: Made the top 50

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst of 2008

David Archuleta

Age: 16 | Hometown: Murray, Utah | Audition Site: San Diego Song: 'Heaven' Claim to fame: Overcame vocal paralysis Simon said: "You have so many things going for you. You're young, you're good looking, you're likable and you've got a great voice." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/davidarchuleta' target='_blank'>David's MySpace</a> Status: Made the top 50

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst of 2008

The Best of the Rest

'Idol' saved the absolute best and worst from all the audition cities for the final pre-Hollywood episode. While Jay Smoove proved all that glitters isn't gold, others made us swoon (Danny Noriega, we're talking to you). Check out the last batch of good, bad and ugly wanna-bes before we grab our golden tickets and head to Hollywood!

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst

Joshua Moreland

Age: 25 | Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL Song: 'Beautiful Lady' (original) Fun fact: Goes by the name Jay Smoove and brought glitter and rose petals for the ladies Simon said: "A horrible, over-the-top, corny, revolting audition." Links: <a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=20108569' target='_blank'> Joshua's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst

Alesha Stelzl

Age: 18 | Hometown: Ontario, CA Song: 'Surrender' and 'Islands in the Stream' Simon said: "It was an absolutely dreadful audition. The notes were all over the place, it was painful and I couldn't even recognize the song." Fun fact: Paula thought she had a pretty voice and Randy asked her to learn a Dolly Parton song. After her second tune, Simon changed his opinion. Status: Going to Hollywood

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst

Chikezie Eze

Age: 22 | Hometown: Inglewood, CA Song: 'All the Woman I Need' Fun fact: Auditioned last season and the judges weren't "feeling" him Simon said: "I think you are interesting. I'm not sure your voice is that interesting." Status: Going to Hollywood

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst

Cory & Chris Lane

Age: 22 | Hometown: Kernersville, NC Song: An original rap Fun fact: Twins that do pretty much everything together and even date the same girls Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/chlane22222' target='_blank'> Chris' MySpace Page</a> Status: Staying home

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst

Ashley Lawing

Age: 19 | Hometown: Maiden, NC Song: 'Red High Heels' Fun fact: Has a Pomeranian puppy named Panda and is dating one of the Lane twins Simon said: "Even though I'm holding your dog and I love your dog, it was torture." Status: Staying home

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst

Danny Noriega

Age: 17 | Hometown: Azusa, CA Song: 'Proud Mary' Fun fact: Auditioned last season Simon said: "You've got a very good voice, Danny. More confident, if possible, this year." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/danny1' target='_blank'> Danny's MySpace</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

'American Idol' Auditions: Best and Worst

Tiffany McCambell

Age: 21 | Hometown: Anderson, IN Song: 'Hallelujah' Fun fact: Her pastor encouraged her to audition Simon said: "Does [God] have a returns policy? Because if I was given that I'd give it back." Status: Staying home

Atlanta: Just Peachy

The bustling Southern city has produced a wealth of 'Idol' talent (Fantasia, Clay, Jennifer Hudson), and this year looks to launch a few more stars. Some can even be found on the unconfirmed, <a href='http://www.tvsquad.com/2008/01/30/ai-od-the-top-24-leaked-the-girls-video/' target='_blank'>leaked top 24 contestants list</a> (spoiler alert). So that's why it's called "Hot-lanta."

Asia'h Epperson

Age: 18 | Hometown: Joplin, Mo. | Audition Site: Atlanta Song: 'How Do I Live' Claim to fame: Losing her father just days before the audition Simon said: "I think your dad would be very proud of you." Status: Going to Hollywood

J.P. Tjelmeland

Age: 20 | Hometown: Auburn, Ala. | Audition Site: Atlanta Song: 'Me and My Gang' Claim to fame: Sat two places away from Carrie Underwood while they auditioned for season 4; kicks himself for not getting to know her better Simon said: "You were that bad, honestly. I mean, my pen has got more charisma." Status: Staying home

Brooke Helvie

Age: 18 | Hometown: Wellington, Fla. | Audition Site: Atlanta Song: 'Who's Loving You' Claim to fame: Winning the Miss South Florida Fair pageant Simon said: "Possibly the most annoying person I have ever seen in my life." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/brookehelvie' target='_blank'>Brooke's MySpace</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Eva Miller

Age: 26 | Hometown: Atlanta | Audition Site: Atlanta Song: 'A Thousand Miles' Claim to fame: Slipped and fell during her performance; her blunder was then replayed in slo-mo Simon said: "This is a joke. Come on." Status: Staying home

Amanda Overmyer

Age: 22 | Hometown: Mulberry, Ind. | Audition Site: Atlanta Song: 'Mean Woman' and 'Travelin' Band' Claim to fame: A rock 'n' roll biker chick who's also a nurse Randy said: "A trillion percent [yes]. I love this girl. I love it, I believe it." Status: Going to Hollywood

Miami: Hot Stuff

Bienvenidos a Miami, 'American Idol.' The ladies sizzled with talent, but the guys mostly fizzled. And of course, the city had its share of wackos (one in particular really riled Simon up). Blame it on heatstroke.

Julie Dubela

Age: 16 | Hometown: Stratham, N.H. | Audition Site: Miami Song: 'Me and Bobby McGee' Claim to fame: Competed on 'American Juniors' at 12 years old Simon said: "It's all very, very, very over-rehearsed, over-dramatic and not great. Go to L.A., become an actress." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/juliedubelaofficial' target='_blank'>Julie's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

Syesha Mercado

Age: 20 | Hometown: Sarasota, Fla. | Audition Site: Miami Song: 'Think Freedom' Claim to fame: Appearing on ABC's the short-lived 'Idol' wanna-be, 'The One' Simon said: "I thought it was all a bit of an effort." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/syesha' target='_blank'>Syesha's MySpace</a> and <a href='http://syeshamercadoidol.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>Fan Blog</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Ramiele Malubay

Age: 19 | Hometown: Miramar, Fla. | Audition Site: Miami Song: 'Natural Woman' Claim to fame: Wants to be the first Asian 'American Idol' Simon said: "You're more like a hotel singer." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/ramiele' target='_blank'>Ramiele's MySpace</a> and <a href='http://ramiellemaulbayidol.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>Fan Blog</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Brandon Black

Age: 20 | Hometown: Pompano Beach, Fla. | Audition Site: Miami Song: 'I'll Make Love to You' and his original tune, 'I Am the Next American Idol' Claim to fame: His comedy "talent" left AOL TV staff speechless. Simon said: "The audition was verging on desperation. [Whispered] Get him out, get him out ... I can't bear to watch him anymore" Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/232816977' target='_blank'>Brandon's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

Corliss Smith & Brittany Wescott

Age: Both 20 | Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. | Audition Site: Miami Song: 'Take Five' and 'My Guy' Claim to fame: BFFs on the prowl; Corliss digs Randy, while Ryan is the love of Brittany's life Paula said: "These are my ladies, I love 'em both." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/157834262' target='_blank'>Corliss' MySpace</a> and <a href='http://www.myspace.com/beautyoutsideandin' target='_blank'>Brittany's MySpace</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Shannon McGough

Age: 18 | Hometown: Okeechobee, Fla. | Audition Site: Miami Song: 'Cry Baby' Claim to fame: Grinding hamburger meat and belching louder than most men Simon said: "I'm not feeling great and you just made me feel a lot worse. That was like the Hungarian Janis Joplin or something." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/shannonmcgough' target='_blank'>Shannon's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

Ghaleb Emachah

Age: 27 | Hometown: Miami | Audition Site: Miami Song: 'You Sang to Me' Claim to fame: The Venezuelan kissed everybody in sight, including Ryan Simon said: "I would like you if I was drunk. Sober, I don't think it works." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/235795152' target='_blank'>Ghaleb's MySpace</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Omaha: The Heartland Delivers

After the debacle that was Charleston, 'Idol' moved on to that overflowing bed of great singers ... Omaha? We were skeptical at first, but Flyover Country proved it's no such thing when it comes to finding the next 'American Idol.' Maybe Paula's late arrival was a good omen?

Sarah Whitaker

Age: 25 | Hometown: Council Bluffs, Iowa | Audition Site: Omaha Song: 'Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight'' Claim to fame: The goth girl incited a furor when Ryan Seacrest asked why she didn't advance. Simon invited him to "come judge the show," to which Ryan replied, "How do I pretend to be overpaid for doing no work?" Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/oldskoolangel' target='_blank'>Sarah's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

Samantha Sidley

Age: 22 | Hometown: Los Angeles | Audition Site: Omaha Song: 'Don't Know Why' Claim to fame: Bearing the brunt of the judges' continuing feud; sang with Ryan at the table and Paula manning the door Ryan said: "I like your voice, [but] you need to work on your self-confidence." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/alexsammusic' target='_blank'>Samantha's MySpace</a> and <a href='http://samanthasidleyidol.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>Fan Blog</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Chris Bernheisal

Age: 25 | Hometown: Freemont, Neb. | Audition Site: Omaha Song: 'Since U Been Gone' Claim to fame: Brought gifts for the judges; showed off his hosting skills and Simon recommended he report on the 'Idol' finale for his local Fox station Randy said: "Is this real, Chris? Did Kelly make that handstand move?" Links: <a href='http://profile.myspace.com/46847437' target='_blank'>Chris' MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

David Cook

Age: 24 | Hometown: Tulsa | Audition Site: Omaha Song: 'Livin' on a Prayer' Claim to fame: A Chris Daughtry wanna-be Simon said: "Other than being a bit wordy, it was good." Links: <a href='http://davidcookidol.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>David's Fan Blog</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Johnny Escamilla

Age: 18 | Hometown:Scottsbluff, Neb. | Audition Site: Omaha Song: 'Shout' Claim to fame: Sparkly glittery shirt; Paula hiccuping as he introduced himself Simon said: "That must've cleared your hiccups [Paula]. In every single way, that was everything I hated." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/johnnyescamilla' target='_blank'>Johnny's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

Jason Rich

Age: 21 | Hometown: Stout, Iowa | Audition Site: Omaha Song: 'When You Say Nothing at All' Claim to fame: Forgetting his words and starting his song over five times Simon said: "I'm going to give you another shot ... but I'll never, ever give you that chance again." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/jasonallenrich' target='_blank'>Jason's MySpace</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Leo Marlowe

Age: 23 | Hometown: Charlotte, Iowa | Audition Site: Omaha Song: 'A Song for You' Claim to fame: Uttering the memorable line, "My mom always said she raised a perfect homecoming queen, too bad it wasn't one of her daughters." Simon said: "You have a good voice, very open ... I like you. You want to take him home, don't you [Paula]?" Status: Going to Hollywood

Charleston: Bye, Bye, Bye

The South does not rise again. It was a no ... and a no ... and another no for the hopefuls in South Carolina. The judges weren't having it -- and some of the contestants weren't having their opinions. Meet the memorable auditioners of Charleston ...

Aretha Codner

Age: 22 | Hometown: Buffalo, N.Y. | Audition Site: Charleston Song: 'I Have Nothing' Claim to fame: Arguing with the judges that she "really can sing." Simon said: "The funny blue dress, the huge belt, the screaming ... it didn't work. You seriously murdered that Whitney Houston song." Status: Staying home

Amy Catherine Flynn

Age: 16 | Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn. | Audition Site: Charleston Song: 'Reflection' Claim to fame: Giving Simon a speech promoting abstinence Simon said: "It was a little bit like, annoying girl singing in the bedroom." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/amycatherineflynnfans' target='_blank'>Amy's MySpace</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Joshua Boson

Age: 20 | Hometown: Beaufort, S.C. | Audition Site: Charleston Song: 'And I Am Telling You' Claim to fame: Declaring the show was "fake and rigged," then claiming he didn't want to be the next 'American Idol' -- he wanted to be the next "World Idol." Simon said: "You are rude and deluded." Status: Staying home

Michelle & Jeffery Lampkin

Age: 26 and 24 | Hometown: Fort Mill and Newberry, S.C. | Audition Site: Charleston Song: 'I Am Your Angel' Claim to fame: Jeffery's dance moves and "ow!" factor Simon said: "After what we've seen today, you're a breath of fresh air." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/sexychelle55' target='_blank'>Michelle's MySpace</a> and <a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=95064298' target='_blank'>Jeffery's MySpace</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Randy Stark & Crystal Ortiz

Age: 27 and 26 | Hometown: Abilene, Tex. and Raleigh, N.C. | Audition Site: Charleston Song: 'She's More' Claim to fame: Met on the <a href='http://www.americanidol.com' target='_blank'>americanidol.com</a> message board Simon said: "The good news is that you found each other." Links: <a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149874906' target='_blank'>Randy's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

Raysharde Henderson

Age: 27 | Hometown: Atlanta | Audition Site: Charleston Song: 'I Can't Make You Love Me' Claim to fame: Called himself "the black Clay Aiken" Simon said: "God, that did remind me of Clay Aiken. I wouldn't have been surprised if you did a magic trick in the middle of that." Status: Staying home

Oliver Highman

Age: 27 | Hometown: Cornelius, N.C. | Audition Site: Charleston Song: 'Get Here' Claim to fame: His wife went into labor the morning of his audition, then gave birth to their daughter. He brought the newborn to his rescheduled session. Simon said: "This is so over the top, all this warbling, the weird falsetto. It's just corny, old-fashioned, not very good." Status: Staying home

San Diego: Sunny Delights

Could the next 'American Idol' come out of San Diego? While the southern California city had its share of crazies, the location also yielded some of the best auditioners so far this season ...

Carly Smithson

Age: 23 | Hometown: San Diego | Audition Site: San Diego Song: 'I'm Every Woman' Claim to fame: The Irish singer recorded an album in 2001 as Carly Hennessy. After the album tanked, she was disqualified from season 5 of 'Idol' due to visa problems. She's one of <a href='http://www.votefortheworst.com/americanidol7contestants' target='_blank'>several pros causing controversy</a> this season Links: <a href='http://profile.myspace.com/20436860' target='_blank'>Carly's MySpace</a> and <a href='http://carlyhennessyidol.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>Fan Blog</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Alberto Hurtado

Age: 28 | Hometown: Chula Vista, Calif. | Audition Site: San Diego Song: An original piece called 'Lift,' which included the lyric "It's a tragedy, it takes a tragedy." Claim to fame: Sporting very long nails, twirling a doll on a stick and giving Paula a decorated fan Simon said: "You were the equivalent of a storm cloud on a sunny day." Status: Staying home

Valerie Reyes

Age: 20 | Hometown: Riverside, Calif. | Audition Site: San Diego Song: 'Against All Odds' Compared herself to ... Mariah Carey Claim to fame: Dissing the "hilarious" rejects, then becoming one Simon said: "Oh. My. God. ... The only resemblance to Mariah Carey would be Mariah Carey's CD left out in the sun for a year and then trying to play it." Status: Staying home

Michael Lee Johns

Age: 28 | Hometown: Los Angeles | Audition Site: San Diego Song: 'I've Been Loving You Too Long' Background: Originally from Australia Simon said: "You're like a white soul singer." Links: <a href='http://myspace.com/michaeljohnsmusic' target='_blank'>Michael's MySpace</a> and <a href='http://michaelleejohnsidol.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>Fan Blog</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Blake Boshnack

Age: 22 | Hometown: Long Beach, N.Y. | Audition Site: San Diego Song: 'Stand By Me' Claim to fame: Auditioning in at least 10 cities previously; his pushy stage mom, said, "I don't know who it's the bigger dream for, my son or me. I think it's me." Simon said: "Nice to meet you ... as a person." Links: <a href='http://myspace.com/beb595' target='_blank'>Blake's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

Samantha Musa

Age: 20 | Hometown: Baldwin Park, Calif. | Audition Site: San Diego Song: 'Until You Come Back to Me' Claim to fame: Her sister sat on Simon's lap Her sister said: "I've had [some concerns] ... but she really pulled it through." Simon said: "I thought it was a great audition." Links: <a href='http://myspace.com/samanthamusa' target='_blank'>Samantha's MySpace</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Christopher Baker & Monique Gibson

Age: 22 and 24 | Hometown: San Diego | Audition Site: San Diego Song: 'Greatest Love of All' and 'I Believe in Miracles' Claim to fame: BFFs Simon said about Christopher: "No children will be laughing after that." Simon said about Monique: "There's not a song, not a word, not a note which is going to rescue you. Nothing." Status: Staying home

Aaron Garrett

Age: 28 | Hometown: Stockton, Calif. | Audition Site: San Diego Song: 'Leave Me Alone' Claim to fame: Mumbling "leave me alone" over and over again Simon said: Nothing. He was too stupefied to comment. Status: Staying home

Dallas: Big Hair, Big Hits, Bigger Misses

The land of Kelly Clarkson didn't yield many who could follow in her 'Idol' footsteps. But Dallas did feature some of season 7's weirdest contestants ...

Antoria Gillon

We don't know why 'Idol' didn't feature 20-year-old Dallas auditioner Antoria Gillon last night, considering she went into labor during her audition! After singing while experiencing contractions, Gillon moved on to the next round -- and the hospital. She gave birth to a 6 lbs. 7 oz baby boy, Jamil Labarron Idol McCowan. Maybe we'll see both of them in Hollywood.

Renaldo Lapuz

Age: 44 | Hometown: Reno, Nev. | Audition Site: Dallas Song: An original he dubbed 'We're Brothers Forever,' with the scintillating lyric "I am your brother, your best friend forever" Claim to fame: Pasting Simon's name to his white, feathered hat and sporting a silver cape Status: Staying home

Brandon Green

Age: 21 | Hometown: Lucedale, Miss. | Audition Site: Dallas Song: 'Rich Girl' Claim to fame: Saved his fingernail cuttings for the past seven years (ewwww) Simon said: "Forgettable." Links: <a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=69498480 ' target='_blank'>Brandon's MySpace</a> and <a href='http://brandongreenidol.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>Fan Blog</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Douglas Davidson

Age: 27 | Hometown: Austin, Tex. | Audition Site: Dallas Song: 'Livin' on a Prayer' Claim to fame: Alternating between shouting and whispering, then getting carted off by security Simon said: "They're going to take you to a safe place." Status: Staying home

Kady Malloy

Age: 18 | Hometown: Houston | Audition Site: Dallas Song: 'I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman,' 'Before He Cheats' and 'Unchained Melody' Claim to fame: A killer vocal impersonation of Britney Spears Simon said: "Of all the people we've seen so far this year, you're the best." Links: <a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=312153752 ' target='_blank'>Kady's MySpace</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Kyle Reinneck

Age: 20 | Hometown: Edwardsville, Ill. | Audition Site: Dallas Song: 'Never Again' Claim to fame: Rocking the guyliner Simon said: "Very disturbing, slightly demonic." Links: <a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=28997100 ' target='_blank'>Kyle's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

Colton Swon

Age: 18 | Hometown: Muskogee, Okla. | Audition Site: Dallas Song: 'Boondocks' Claim to fame: Really bushy eyebrows Simon said: "It was OK." Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/coltonswon' target='_blank'>Colton's MySpace</a> and <a href='http://coltonswonidol.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>Fan Blog</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Tammy Tuzinski

Age: 24 | Hometown: Grapevine, Tex. | Audition Site: Dallas Song: 'The Power of Love' Sounds like ... Celine Dion (according to herself) Claim to fame: Being unable to string a sentence together Randy said: "You're a nice girl but it was awful." Status: Staying home

Bruce Dickson

Age: 18 | Hometown: Bastrop, Tex. | Audition Site: Dallas Song: 'Ain't No Sunshine' Claim to fame: Has never kissed a girl; sports a key around his neck that fits into a heart his father will hold until Bruce meets "The One" Simon said: "Forgettable." Status: Staying home

Jessica Brown

Age: 24 | Hometown: Longview, Tex. | Audition Site: Dallas Song: 'I'll Stand By You' Background: Was addicted to meth in college but is now a recovering stay-at-home mom of two Status: Going to Hollywood

Philadelphia: First Is Worst?

The city of brotherly love hosted season 7's first auditions, and they gave Simon, Paula and Randy a warm welcome. Perhaps too warm a welcome from some contestants, like the guy who wrote Paula an original song. Check out Philly's good, bad and very ugly ...

Paul Marturano

Age: 32 | Hometown: New Hope, Pa. | Audition Site: Philadelphia Claim to fame: Performed a song he claimed to have written for Paula, which included the genius lyric "If I were Columbo, I'd Peter Falk her." Link: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/4paulm' target='_blank'>Paul's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

Angela Martin

Age: 26 | Hometown: Chicago | Audition Site: Philadelphia Song: 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' Background: Her daughter Jessica has Rett's Syndrome, a cerebal palsy-like illness. Simon said: She sounded like a wedding singer Link: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/toucha_dream' target='_blank'>Angela's MySpace</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

James Lewis

Age: 22 | Hometown: Philadelphia | Audition Site: Philadelphia Song: 'Go Down Moses (Let My People Go)' Sounded like ... Eddie Vedder (according to himself) Claim to fame: Causing Randy and Paula to lose it Background: This tour guide was encouraged to audition by his co-workers Status: Staying home

Alexis Cohen

Age: 23 | Hometown: Allentown, Pa. | Audition Site: Philadelphia Background: A veterinary student living in a studio with her mom Sounded like ... Janis Joplin (according to her) Simon said: "It was all a bit possessed for me." Her response: "I'm going back to actressing. Simon, kiss me ***. If I could legally moon you, I would." Status: Staying home

Ben Haar

Age: 27 | Hometown: Newark, Del. | Audition Site: Philadelphia Claim to fame: Got his chest waxed so he wouldn't scare Paula Status: Staying home

Kristy Lee Cook

Age: 23 | Hometown: Selma, Ore. | Audition Site: Philadelphia Song: 'Amazing Grace' Sounded like ... Carrie Underwood Background: Trains in cage fighting Links: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/kristyleecook' target='_blank'>Kristy's MySpace</a> and <a href='http://kristyleecookidol.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>Fan Blog</a> Status: Going to Hollywood

Temptress Browne

Age: 16 | Hometown: Philadelphia | Audition Site: Philadelphia Song: 'And I Am Telling You' Fun fact: Plays middle linebacker for her high school football team Background: Her obese mother's in a wheelchair and Temptress must care for her. She wanted to try out for her mom. Status: Staying home

Milo Turk

Age: 39 | Hometown: Absecon, NJ | Audition Site: Philadelphia Claim to fame: Coaxed his way into auditioning even though he's past the age limit Background: Has appeared on <a href='http://television.aol.com/show/jimmy-kimmel-live/113255/main' target='_blank'>'Jimmy Kimmel Live'</a> Link: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/miloturk' target='_blank'>Milo's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home

Christina Tolisano

Age: 24 | Hometown: Enfield, Conn. | Audition Site: Philadelphia Claim to fame: Sported the Princess Leia hairstyle Background: Originally made her costume for a 'Star Wars' convention Link: <a href='http://www.myspace.com/ladygrievous' target='_blank'>Christina's MySpace</a> Status: Staying home